Today was our first full day in Omuta. We explored Omuta’s historic sites and this afternoon we were all picked up at our hotel by our host families.
Miyanohara Pit, Miike Coal Mine
We began the day with a trip to the Miyanohara Pit of the Miike Coal Mine. The mine was instrumental in fueling industry and growth in Japan. Our visit here made the local news in Japan.
Miike Harbor
Next we visited Miike harbor. For centuries Japan had a policy of isolation toward the rest of the world. Miike harbor was instrumental in changing that. Our tour guide told us today that when Miike harbor was opened in 1901 it was instrumental in opening Japan up to the world.
Host Family Stay
Today we also began our host family stay. They generously opened up their traditional style home and prepared a Japanese dinner and breakfast. I slept on a Tatami mat which was surprisingly very comfortable. The Japanese usually bathe before bed. They prepared a hot bath for me which was very relaxing. We shared pictures of our families and watched the local news I was surprised to see myself on TV along with the other visiting US teachers during our visit to the coal mine earlier today.
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